By Pat Craig | Executive Director
When people think of Alaska, they often picture rugged mountain peaks, endless pine forests, and the kind of fresh air that makes you want to breathe a little deeper. What they probably don’t imagine is a rundown wildlife facility with a sagging Bear fence, a Moose on the loose, and the lingering smell of animal waste.
But that was the scene at the now-defunct Kroschel Wildlife Center near Mosquito Lake, Alaska- a so-called “wildlife experience” that became a welfare nightmare. Among the many animals kept there were two red Foxes named Lupine and Clooney, just two of several species that visitors were allowed to hold, pet, and feed - an incredibly unnatural situation for wild animals.
Thankfully, their story has taken a hopeful turn. Just recently, Lupine and Clooney made the long journey from the Last Frontier to their new forever home at The Wild Animal Sanctuary.
For years, the Kroschel Wildlife Center drew tourists with the promise of “up-close” encounters with iconic Alaskan wildlife. From the outside, it may have looked like wilderness magic - but behind the scenes, the truth was far from picturesque. Complaints piled up over time, prompting investigations by both the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. What they uncovered was disturbing: deteriorating enclosures, inadequate shelter, little to no veterinary care, and animals suffering in silence.
Adding to the concern were publicly shared photos showing the facility’s owner parading a Wolverine around on a leash - an image that starkly illustrates just how deeply the line between wild animal and roadside attraction had been crossed. It wasn’t just unethical - it was dangerous and emblematic of the disregard for the animals’ natural behaviors and needs.
The final straw came in June 2025, when state officials executed a search warrant and seized dozens of animals. The conditions had gone from bad to horrifying. Filthy bedding, rotting food, and animals confined to dangerous, collapsing enclosures. One pen barely contained a Kodiak Grizzly Bear. A Moose had previously escaped entirely. And in the middle of this chaos were two Foxes - used in countless tourist photos but never truly seen for who they were.
Like many smaller animals in roadside zoos, Lupine and Clooney were regularly handled, passed around, and posed with visitors. Though they were part of the public experience, they were never treated as the wild animals they truly are. Their personalities, needs, and well-being were overlooked in favor of entertainment. But thankfully, someone finally saw them as more than just photo props. And that’s when the wheels of rescue began to turn.
After the facility was shut down, Lupine and Clooney were moved to a temporary holding center in Alaska while permanent placement could be arranged. When we received the call to help, we didn’t hesitate.
With careful planning and coordination with officials, the Foxes finally arrived at our Sanctuary just a few weeks ago. They’re the first of four Foxes we’re welcoming from this case, with the remaining two expected to arrive soon.
As for the facility's former owner, the legal process is still underway. He’s currently facing multiple counts of animal cruelty - both felony and misdemeanor. Justice may take time, but for the animals, the healing has already begun.
Lupine and Clooney are both red Foxes, though each has a unique color morph. Lupine, the female, is spunky and outgoing. The moment she stepped into her new habitat, she eagerly explored every corner - prancing around, checking out her water feature, and digging in a specially curated sandbox made just for Foxes.
Clooney, the male, is more cautious and reserved, so his adjustment took a little longer. Becca Miceli, our Chief Animal Welfare and Science Officer, recognized that Clooney needed space and time. She asked the rest of the care team to step back while she quietly stayed nearby, to offer gentle encouragement and a few specially formulated Fox treats. Gradually, Clooney grew curious and began exploring, settling in at his own pace.
Today, Lupine and Clooney share their large habitat peacefully. They enjoy natural substrates and the freedom to dig, forage, and rest on their own terms. We often place treats in dens and throughout the habitat to help new arrivals feel safe and welcome. For these two, that meant dehydrated shrimp, chicken gizzards, and blueberries - all instant hits. Already, their coats are shinier and healthier - a sign of their growing well-being.
We’re hopeful that the remaining two Foxes from the Alaska case will join them soon. Once reunited, the four will have the chance to form their own Fox family - free to play, nap, explore, and simply be foxes.
Their story is a reminder that animal cruelty doesn’t always look the way we expect. It can happen behind the scenes, hidden under the facade of education or entertainment. And it can affect animals of all sizes - not just the iconic Lions and Tigers, but also the smaller species like Foxes who often suffer silently in the shadows.
But not anymore.
At The Wild Animal Sanctuary, we believe every animal deserves a life that reflects their natural instincts, behaviors, and dignity. Lupine and Clooney now have that chance - thanks to your compassion and support.
We invite you to learn more about this rescue and our ongoing rescue efforts in our Sanctuary Newsletter.
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By Pat Craig | Executive Director
By Pat Craig | Executive Director
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